The director also provided an update on DNDO's acquisition process improvements.

"While DNDO has made considerable progress since it was established in 2005, much remains to be done," Gowadia said. "It will be a challenge to remain one step ahead of the adversary - particularly one that is intelligent and adaptable."

Trimble detailed DNDO's efforts to manage research and development assets, but said that it may not be able to demonstrate how the investments align with critical mission needs as those discussions are not recorded.

Trimble said that while DNDO took steps since previous GAO recommendations on coordinating R&D internally, preliminary analysis shows that not all DNDO's end users were satisfied with communication from the agency.